Asif Nazrul calls on doctors to stop ‘torturing’ patients with ‘unnecessary tests’

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul has urged doctors to end the practice of prescribing unnecessary medical tests, calling it an abuse that exploits patients and undermines trust in the healthcare system.

Speaking on Saturday morning at an event organised by the Bangladesh Private Hospital, Clinic and Diagnostic Owners Association (BPHCDOA), Nazrul raised concerns over common complaints against physicians, bdnews24.com reports.

“I often hear that doctors write prescriptions without properly listening to patients and order unnecessary tests,” he said.

“Ordering tests without any reason, and asking for them right away, this should not happen. Please put a stop to this torture. Take it seriously.”

Drawing an example from his personal life, Nazrul said, “Our house help went to see a doctor recently and was prescribed 14 tests. Later, they consulted a doctor in Mymensingh who treated them without any tests.”

The adviser urged doctors to stop exploiting poor patients like this.

“Which Bangladeshi wants to go abroad for treatment?” he asked.

“People who have never even set foot in Dhaka travel to India or Bangkok for treatment. They go abroad out of sheer frustration and helplessness.”

“Stop forcing them to leave the country. If quality care is provided here, no one will seek treatment abroad.”

He also questioned why major hospitals and clinics in Bangladesh allocate specific times for pharmaceutical company representatives to meet doctors.

“This is not seen in any other country,” he said.

“Are doctors here acting as agents for drug companies? Are they middlemen for pharmaceutical companies? How low are you stooping?” he asked.

Nazrul also asked why doctors instruct patients to purchase medicines from specific companies.

On the issue of nursing care, he said: “If a nurse earns only Tk 12,000, how can they be expected to provide quality service with patience? Low pay is the reason behind their rude behaviour. A trained nurse receives just Tk 12,000, while during my time as a Dhaka University teacher, even my domestic worker earned a similar amount along with benefits.”

Addressing hospital owners, Nazrul said, “Please pay nurses and healthcare staff better. Many owners have luxury villas worth millions, yet refuse to raise staff salaries. If just 10 per cent of profits were spent on workers, I believe the quality of hospital services would improve significantly.”